Bill for alarm tests questioned

November 22, 2012

HANOVERTON - United Local School Board member Mike Ellyson questioned a $3,500 expenditure paid to 21st Century Alarm in Salem for testing all the security leads in the building at Wednesday's meeting.

Building and grounds Supervisor Tom Clemens said it was probably for 20 hours of work in reply to Ellyson's question and noted the company held certification through the state fire marshal's office.

Ellyson asked, "Did we spend $3,500 for 20 hours of work?" Clemens said it was done for $1,000 less than Johnson Controls, the previous vendor.

"It seemed like an awful lot for 20 hours work," Ellyson said, and Clemens said a team of people did the work.

Later in the meeting, Ellyson said he attended a seminar that recommended that schools shouldn't be dependent "on those companies" while noting anyone with a little training could do it.

Clemens said the companies don't want to put out a lot of training and Ellyson said, "I can understand why they don't" since they want to keep the contract.

He suggested that it was something to be looked at.

In other business, the board approved accepting $16,46 in donations from different groups. The biggest donation of $6,972 was for a soccer dugout from Mr. Gatchel.

Another large donation for $3,159 was made to the girls soccer program from the athletic boosters for bags and uniforms, while the girls basketball program received $2,200 from sponsorships.

Also the district E-Rate agent applied for 2012-2013 funds for discounts in telecommunication and internet services that will amount to $34,602, or more than $6,278 more than last year.

The majority of the increase came from installation of the new VolP phone system and voicemail charges.

The board approved the application.

The board also approved the resignation of assistant Treasurer Vicky Lillie effective Nov. 26. She accepted a position with Executive Tour and Travel in Boardman.

Superintendent Steve Viscounte said Lillie was "certainly an energetic person who will be missed around the office."

The board approved Anne Cooper as head mentor for new teachers (resident educators) who will partner with them for two years. Teachers will receive two days of training and attend several meetings at the Columbiana County ESC. The board approved the resolution to employ the mentor at $17 per hour for a maximum of 30 hours for the 2012-2013 school year.

The board approved a 14-member elementary school building leadership team to monitor and continue the work of the districts' Ohio Improvement Process.

The 14 will be paid $17 per hour each for a maximum of six hours during the 2012-2013 year effective Aug. 15.

The board also approved maternity leave for Brittany Grimm from Feb. 18 to May 10, 2013; approved six people as community volunteers; and employed Mary Wolfgang as a substitute nurse; and Nicole Kiko as a substitute for early childhood; and approved county certified substitutes, Kathy McCartny and Autum Tromer for early childhood; approved five supplemental contract; and three volunteer coaches.